The much-anticipated India vs South Africa Test Series kicked off on 14 November 2025 at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, marking the beginning of a thrilling cricketing contest between two powerhouse teams. This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023–2025, adding extra weight to every run scored and wicket taken.
Introduction
Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the start of the India vs South Africa Test Series 2025, which kicks off on 14 November 2025. This series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023–2025, making it a crucial contest for both teams. The first Test match will be played at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, a venue known for its passionate crowd and iconic moments.
This article provides a complete overview of the first Test match, including match timing, venue details, team squads, captains, and live streaming options. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or a casual viewer, this guide will help you stay updated and enjoy the action.
Match Schedule and Timing
- Match: India vs South Africa – 1st Test
- Dates: 14 November to 18 November 2025
- Day: Thursday to Monday
- Time:
- 09:30 AM IST (India Standard Time)
- 04:00 AM GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
Each day of the Test match will begin at 9:30 AM IST, with a lunch break and tea break scheduled as per ICC Test match rules.
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The first Test will be played at Eden Gardens, one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world.
- Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Capacity: Over 66,000 spectators
- Established: 1864
- Known for: Historic matches, passionate fans, and dramatic finishes
Eden Gardens has hosted numerous memorable matches, including World Cup games and Test classics. The pitch here traditionally offers assistance to both seamers and spinners, making it a balanced venue for Test cricket.
India Squad and Captain
India has announced a strong and balanced squad for the Test series. The team features a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent.
India Test Squad:
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Rishabh Pant (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shreyas Iyer
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
- Akash Deep
- Mukesh Kumar
Key Players to Watch:
- Shubman Gill: Leading the team for the first time in a home Test series.
- Rishabh Pant: Making a comeback after injury, expected to play a key role with the bat and gloves.
- Jasprit Bumrah: India’s pace spearhead, lethal with the new ball.
- Ravindra Jadeja: All-rounder who can change the game with both bat and ball.
South Africa Squad and Captain
South Africa has also named a competitive squad for the tour, with a focus on youth and spin options to suit Indian conditions.
South Africa Test Squad:
- Temba Bavuma (Captain)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Dewald Brevis
- Keegan Petersen
- Kyle Verreynne (Wicketkeeper)
- Keshav Maharaj
- Simon Harmer
- Marco Jansen
- Lungi Ngidi
- Gerald Coetzee
- Corbin Bosch
- Wiaan Mulder
- Zubayr Hamza
Key Players to Watch:
- Temba Bavuma: The experienced captain will anchor the batting lineup.
- Keshav Maharaj: Lead spinner, crucial in subcontinent conditions.
- Marco Jansen: Tall left-arm pacer who can extract bounce and swing.
- Dewald Brevis: Young batting sensation, making his Test debut.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
Fans can catch all the live action from the India vs South Africa Test series through various platforms:
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network (India)
- Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar (India)
- Radio Commentary: All India Radio (AIR) and online cricket radio platforms
- International Viewers:
- South Africa: SuperSport
- UK: Sky Sports
- USA: Willow TV
Make sure to check your local listings for exact timings and availability.
🏆 Series Importance
This Test series is not just a bilateral contest—it’s part of the ICC World Test Championship, where every match contributes to the points table. Both India and South Africa are strong contenders for the final, and a win here could be a big step forward.
- India: Currently in the top 3 of the WTC standings
- South Africa: Looking to climb the table with an away win
🔍 Match Preview and Expectations
India will start as favorites, especially at home, but South Africa has the firepower to challenge them. The pitch at Eden Gardens is expected to offer early movement for pacers and turn for spinners from Day 3 onwards.
Key Battles:
- Bumrah vs Bavuma
- Jadeja vs Brevis
- Maharaj vs Gill
The match is expected to be competitive, with both teams aiming to take an early lead in the series.
🗓️ Upcoming Fixtures in the Series
After the first Test, the tour continues with more exciting matches:
- 2nd Test: 22–26 November 2025 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- ODI Series:
- 30 Nov: 1st ODI – Ranchi
- 3 Dec: 2nd ODI – Raipur
- 6 Dec: 3rd ODI – Visakhapatnam
- T20I Series:
- 9 Dec: 1st T20I – Cuttack
- 11 Dec: 2nd T20I – Chandigarh
- 14, 16, 19 Dec: Remaining T20Is
📝 Final Thoughts
The India vs South Africa Test Series 2025 promises to be a thrilling contest between two world-class teams. With high stakes, exciting players, and passionate fans, this series is set to deliver unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re watching from the stands at Eden Gardens or streaming from home, don’t miss a single ball of this epic showdown.
Mark your calendar: 14–18 November 2025. Let the battle begin!
Special Thanks This Articles
https://cricketer.io/cricket-series/south-africa-tour-of-india-2025/
https://www.indiacricketschedule.com/2025/04/South-Africa-tour-of-India-2025-Schedule-Fixtures-Squads.html
https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-series/9638/south-africa-tour-of-india-2025
